As of June 23, 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has added India—along with France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Switzerland—to its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). This means that holders of recognised degrees from these countries no longer need an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) for major visa categories, such as the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List, and Accredited Employer Work Visa.
The International Qualifications Assessment (IQA), conducted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), evaluates foreign degrees to ensure they meet New Zealand’s academic standards. Historically, only qualifications from countries in the Anglosphere (countries where English is the main native language) and some OECD nations (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) were exempt from this assessment. The recent inclusion of India acknowledges the advancements made in Indian education reforms and the quality of its universities.
Previously:
New Zealand’s decision to waive the IQA requirement for Indian qualifications reflects a broader strategic effort to enhance its immigration framework. Firstly, the country aims to attract more international students, with India already ranking among the top four source countries. Over 22,000 Indian students are currently enrolled in New Zealand institutions, and the country witnessed a 63% rise in first-time student visas from India in 2019. This policy shift is designed to simplify and accelerate immigration pathways by eliminating bureaucratic limitations and financial costs, thereby making the process faster and more accessible.
In addition to removing the IQA requirement, New Zealand has introduced several complementary initiatives to attract and support international talent, especially from India. Major highlights are:
Unimoni stands as a trusted partner for Indian students and professionals planning their journey to New Zealand by offering a comprehensive range of financial and travel services tailored to meet their needs. For students, Unimoni facilitates the Funds Transfer Scheme (FTS), a vital requirement for many study visa applications in New Zealand. This service ensures students can securely transfer their living expenses to a New Zealand bank account before departure, thereby strengthening their visa profile and meeting immigration requirements with ease.
To ease the financial burden of studying abroad, Unimoni also provides overseas educational loans, helping students cover their tuition fees, living costs, and other academic expenses. These loans are structured to suit the unique needs of international students, making higher education in New Zealand more accessible.
Additionally, Unimoni provides seamless international money transfer services for essential payments such as visa application fees, university tuition, migration-related expenses, employment fees, and other travel-related costs. With competitive exchange rates and quick processing, students and migrants can rely on Unimoni for efficient and compliant transactions.
To further ease the financial journey, Unimoni offers foreign currency exchange and forex travel cards, giving travelers secure and convenient ways to carry money abroad. These services are backed by RBI authorisation and offer options for multiple currencies on a single card, making spending abroad safer and more manageable.
Unimoni also provides travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage for up to one month, while you are on travel, ensuring peace of mind while studying or working overseas. For added convenience, Unimoni offers air ticketing services with special fares and benefits like additional baggage allowance, which are particularly helpful for those relocating abroad.
Whether it’s managing finances, securing travel essentials, or ensuring compliance with immigration regulations, Unimoni is a one-stop solution for students and migrants heading to New Zealand, offering expert guidance, reliable services, and 24/7 customer support throughout the journey.
